As a parent, it can be exciting to watch several high-school-age couples -- dressed to the nines -- drive off to a nice restaurant for that all-important prom-night dinner.

But at some point, mom and dad can't help but think the worst. "Will the group disrupt other diners? Will they have enough money? And, for goodness sake, will they remember to tip the wait staff?

Fortunately, there are many Utah restaurants who are prom savvy, armed with special all-inclusive menus and private seating arrangements to make the meal go smoothly for the kids, the parents and the employees.

Teens are a bit unorganized, on a tight budget, and want to dine in large groups -- three things that might normally make a restaurant staff cringe.

"They are a unique bunch," admitted Vinnie Lawrence, the manager at Tuscany. The atmosphere at the Italian restaurant in Holladay makes it one of the most popular restaurants along the Wasatch Front for the school dance crowd. But through the years, Tuscany has mastered a system that makes the whole experience seem nearly trouble-free.

The restaurant offers a special prom menu, where teens select a choice of a salad, one of three entrees, a drink and dessert -- all for $66 per couple. The price includes tax and tip, which means the wait staff is usually happy to take on the tables, knowing they won't be getting stiffed at the end of the night.

Lawrence said the restaurant usually tries to seat the students in a semi-secluded area or private room so they can enjoy each other's company -- without disturbing others. And when groups from rival high schools happen to have reservations on the same night, the host tries to seat them at opposite ends of the restaurant.

"We want them to come visit and have a good experience," said Lawrence, "but the process helps them have a good time."

Across town at The Gateway, Biaggi's Italian restaurant offers something similar. A three-course meal, with choice of salad, entree, drink and desert costs $50 per couple, including tax and tip. Last weekend, manager Jared Steelman said 26 couples were taking advantage of the offer.

He said the limited menu keeps young adults -- who are often indecisive -- from feeling overwhelmed.

"Taking their order is quicker and it really helps the kitchen staff," he said. "We have to get them to the dance on time."

Another popular restaurant for the high-school dance crowd is The Roof, the fine dining restaurant on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It offers an expansive buffet and a one-of-a-kind view of the Salt Lake Temple, the LDS Tabernacle and Salt Lake City's western skyline.

The buffet is a set price -- $35 per person -- and offers an array of salads, cold dishes, entrees, prime rib, baked ham, soups and more than two dozen different desserts. Even finicky eaters will find something they like.

Wilkinson said The Roof can accommodate large groups and -- since no one is taking orders -- dinner moves quickly.

"For a high school dance, a buffet is a safe bet, you get to choose what you want, but it's also an elegant environment," said Neil Wilkinson, director of marketing with Temple Square Hospitality. "But the fact that we have 20 different desserts also is a plus."

kathys@sltrib.com